Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Volcano Tours
u
Centro Ippico Amico del Cavallo
(Via A. Gramsci, 27, Misterbianco;
%
095-
461-882)
offers horse rides through the farmland surrounding the volcano
(7-hr. return) plus additional treks for 2 or 5 days.
u
Ferrovia Circumetna
(Via Caronda, 352a, Catánia;
%
095-541250; www.
circumetnea.it)
has day treks that include transport from Catánia for around
€
25.
u
Natura e Turismo
(Via R Quartararo, 11, Catánia;
%
095-911505)
offers
expert treks around the craters with a volcanologist. Prices vary greatly
depending on who is available and the size of your group.
from the northern flanks, and hot lava wiped out a stylish ski resort and much of
a lush pine forest. Mt. Etna has four summit craters and 200 cones (major and
secondary). No one is allowed all the way up to the summit craters, but many of
the nearby cones are approachable by guided tour. It's strongly recommended that
you not try to explore the cones on your own. The expert source for up-to-date
information on volcanic activity is
Etna Online
(
www.etnaonline.it
in Italian, or
boris.vulcanoetna.com
in English). The lava near the cones is hot and slippery,
and while the park officials will gladly sell you a ticket to the highest point for
€
4.50, they don't check your footwear or give much in the way of eruption
advice. There is, however, a tiny disclaimer on your ticket that releases them from
responsibility should an eruption occur.
DINING FOR ALL TASTES
A good meal in Catánia is inexpensive and easy to find. Fresh seafood is standard
in most restaurants and street snacks range from
crispelle
(fritters made with either
anchovies or ricotta cheese) to
arancini di riso
(round rice balls in a light batter).
Desserts in Catánia are worth skipping lunch for. The famous
Olivette di
Sant'Agata,
named for the patron saint who has protected this city against Mt.
Etna's wrath for centuries, is a layered cake with almond paste, identifiable by its
green coloring.
€
If you're planning to dine in Catánia, try the tiny
Pesce Cotto
(Via S. Sofia,
103b;
%
095-515959),
but go early or book ahead because this perfect little trat-
toria has only three tables. The eatery survives on a substantial takeout business,
which is also a viable option for food on the road or a picnic in the park. You can't
choose your meal, though, because you'll be served exactly what the chef is mak-
ing that day. You can eat in the restaurant, with wine, for less than
€
10.
€
A reliable choice for lunch or dinner is one of Catánia's oldest restaurants,
Turi
Finocchiaro
(Via E. Reina, 13;
%
095-7153573).
The antipasti selection, displayed
on a massive table near the entrance, is really enough for lunch. For bigger
appetites, the seafood dishes are fresh daily and cost around
€
9 for ample portions.
